Beaver Lake Nature Center: Sharing Nature Summer Camp

Kids entering kindergarten through fourth grades will meet with a naturalist in Beaver Lake Nature Center's new Children's Room for a different nature-themed activity each week using resources from the room, such as books or games; registration recommended.

Wednesdays: "Field Days"

Kids entering first through sixth grades can join others for a fun-packed hour of outdoor games. Tag and other classics take on a new twist as a naturalist introduces and organizes games that take their inspiration from nature.

Beaver Lake amateur photography contest

The Friends of Beaver Lake are sponsoring an amateur photo contest to capture the beauty and diversity of Beaver Lake Nature Center. Photograph entries must be taken at Beaver Lake Nature Center and must be submitted by July 31. Entries will be judged for cash prizes in the following age categories: 11 and under, 12 to 17 years and 18 and over. $5 per entry.

Weekend walks in August

Beaver Lake Nature Center invites visitors to join a naturalist for a free guided Weekend Walk at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in August. Each weekend features a different topic.

Aug. 4 and 5 – Staghorn Sumac

Aug. 11 and 12 – History of the Cool Hemlock Forest

Aug. 18 and 19 – Squirrels

Aug. 25 and 26 – Turtles and Frogs

Creatures of the night

Families with children in first through fifth grades can experience nature together at Beaver Lake Nature Center’s Creatures of the Night event held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3. In the cool cover of darkness, the day has just begun for many creatures. Families will join a naturalist to look and listen for their presence as night begins to fall. $4 per child; registration required.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Beaver Lake is open for canoeing and kayaking from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends through Sept. 2 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 3. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely, self-guided paddle across Beaver Lake, exploring the lake's edge and searching for beaver lodges, turtles, herons and osprey. Canoe rental: $8 per hour, $2 for each additional half-hour. Rental is on a first-come basis.